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The Critique of American Life

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Critical theory, as Tyson (2012) explains, involves the critique of culture and society by examining what many consider to be, traditional cultural themes, and challenging the generalized assertion they may knowingly or unknowingly portray. Looking at theatre and literature for example, through the lens of critical theory can be helpful in developing an understanding from another point of view. There is always more than one perspective of anything of importance. Tyson (2012) equates the critique of so-called high culture with the societies from which it derives. Art reflecting society would be another way to explain this idea. A culture, therefore, is critiqued through the artwork and cultural artifacts it produces through the lens of critical theory. According to Tyson (2012) critical theory can help people develop a deeper understanding of cultural artifacts such as literature, making it more interesting.

Critical theory originated in the Frankfort School of Social Research and is based on the ideas of evaluating societal and cultural norms for the purpose of freeing men from oppression (Bohman, 2005). For instance, according to Sunker (2007) one of the founders of critical theory, Theodor W. Adorno experienced oppression in Nazi controlled Germany. Much of Critical theory, according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, is largely based on Marxist ideas of emancipation. Marx was a believer in the idea that all life was a class struggle, and that emancipation meant freedom from the exploitation of capitalists. Marx believed the state should control all economic activity and should distribute goods according to needs. Critical theory, in the 1970’s was used as a means of critiquing capitalist society (Howard, 2000). It could be argued that the negative perspective people have of capitalism derived from critical theory.

Critical theory today is being used to go beyond the critique of high culture. Instead of evaluating theater, literature and other aspects which define America culturally, our entire society has been placed under the lens of critical theory for the sake of social change. The very culture of individual liberty is being critiqued through Marxist theory, Feminist theory, Lesbian Gay and Queer theories and others mentioned by Tyson (2012). This is creating a situation where many people are coming out of academia not only hating their culture but having no understanding of the other side of the story.

Biblically speaking, there is only one truth. As Christians we should be seeking truth. The problem with critical theory from this perspective is that viewing society from a certain point of view will not necessarily lend to a realistic perception of societal issues, but a biased one based on whatever theory you choose to look at things from. For example, looking at things through Feminist theory can lead one to believe that women are oppressed victims in American society. Betty Friedan, in her book the Feminine Mystique, stated in the very first paragraph that life in contemporary America for a housewife was like living in a comfortable concentration camp. She was arguing that women in America were oppressed. The idea was to liberate women from their traditional gender role of homemaker and mother. Writing for Salon magazine, David Horowitz (1999) made the claim that Friedan was a Marxist and a communist sympathizer. It can be concluded then that Friedan was viewing life as an American woman from the lens of critical theory, or conflict theory, which is also another Marxist concept. The result of liberating women from their traditional role has affected the family structure.

The feminist movement, in its epic struggle for total equality between the sexes, has destroyed what it means to be equal by forcing the idea that men and women are the same onto society. Marx viewed marriage and the family from the same dogmatic precept that he viewed everything else, as an institute of oppression. This is completely antithetical to the way most Americans view marriage, gender roles and family life. The institute of marriage, from a Christian perspective, was unique in the sense that it best prepared individuals for responsible citizenship (Yenor, 2013) which is essential for self-governance. Marriage protects both men and women equally while ensuring mutual interests. The marriage represented equality in the sense that it was an agreement that both parties agreed to in the interest of raising children and forming a stronger community (Yenor, 2013).

While critical theory can be useful in developing a critical eye where one is needed, whether in high culture or societal issues, care must be taken because if society is criticized too much you may end up with something worse. We are currently living in a society where men can identify as women, some states are passing laws prohibiting counseling for those who think they may be transgender, the issue of race has been pushed to the point where American society itself is considered racist and Christianity has even been portrayed as a vehicle of oppression. These are all the result of applying the concepts of critical theory a little to heavily. That is just my opinion, of course.

Bohman, J, (2005) Critical Theory. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.  https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2019/entries/critical-theory/>.

Friedan, B. (1963) The Feminine Mystique. New York. W.W. Norton Company Incorporated. Retrieved from https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/ows/seminars/tcentury/FeminineMystique.pdf

Horowitz, D. (1999) Betty Friedan’s secret communist past. Salon. Retrieved from http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/friedan-per-horowitz.html

Howard, D. (2000) Political theory, critical theory, and the place of the Frankfurt School. Critical Horizons 1(2) p. 271-280. https://www-tandfonline-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/abs/10.1163/156851600750133379#aHR0cHM6Ly93d3ctd

Sünker, H. (2007). Foundations of Critical Theory: On the History of the Frankfurt School. International Sociology, 22(2), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268580907074537

Tyson, L. (2012). Using Critical Theory. London: Routledge, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9780203805091

Yenor, S. (2013) The true origins of society: The founders on the family. The Heritage Foundation First Principles. (48)

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